How-To Geek's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Gadgets & Gear

Holiday Gift Guide: Top Gadgets of 2013

The Thanksgiving season has passed, and many individuals are now finalizing their gift lists for the upcoming holidays. What technological devices should be considered for friends and family, or perhaps added to your personal wish list? Continue reading as we explore some of the best gadgets available this year.

Regardless of your budget or preferences, we present a diverse selection of gadgets suitable for various needs. Our aim is not only to showcase the latest and most innovative tech but also to empower you to make well-informed purchasing decisions. Therefore, we’ve categorized our recommendations, highlighting a top pick alongside several alternative options.

This article represents the initial installment of the How-To Geek 2013 Holiday Gift Guides. To stay informed about subsequent guides released throughout December, please monitor the GiftGuide2013 article tag.

Smart Watches

A prominent trend in the gadget world of 2013 is the rise of wearable technology. While previous years saw individuals adapting iPod Nanos as makeshift smart watches, this year offers genuinely dedicated smart watch options. A smart watch’s intelligence stems from its ability to connect to mobile devices – like Android phones or iPads – and provide integrated features.

These features include SMS notifications, appointment alerts, weather updates, Caller ID, and other essential notifications. For those who frequently check their phones for vibrations, a smart watch offers a more refined and discreet solution.

Currently, the Pebble Smartwatch leads the burgeoning smart watch market. After extensive testing over the past month, we’ve been highly impressed. It boasts waterproofing, a week-long battery life, a wide array of customizable digital watch faces, and apps for various functions, such as sports scores or media player control.

Furthermore, the Pebble is notably more affordable than its competitors. An ongoing holiday sale reduces the already competitive price of $150 to just $130.

The Samsung Galaxy Gear is another smart watch garnering attention, but it faces significant drawbacks. The watch is exclusively compatible with Samsung Galaxy smartphones and carries a $300 price tag. This Samsung-only restriction was not clearly communicated to consumers, resulting in a return rate exceeding 30%.

While the Gear may eventually become a viable contender, we currently recommend avoiding it due to compatibility issues and the questionable value of its $300 price point.

Several other smart watches are available, but consistently negative reviews and limited functionality lead us to advise against purchasing unsupported products.

Fitness Gadgets

Fitness gadgets are currently experiencing a surge in popularity, rivaling smart watches in market trends for 2013. For individuals who are runners, health-conscious, or interested in analyzing biometric data, several innovative options are available within the fitness and wearable electronics sector.

Activity Trackers: Fitbit

Fitbit, a pioneer in wearable activity tracking, has released the Fitbit Force ($129) this year. This device is packed with features for monitoring various metrics. Beyond simply counting steps and logging runs, it also incorporates sleep monitoring and a silent, vibrating alarm function.

Alternatively, if the wrist-band design of the Force isn't preferred, the FitBit One ($99) provides similar activity and sleep tracking capabilities. However, it features a clip-on design intended for attachment to a waistband.

Advanced Metric Tracking: Basis B1 Band

For those seeking more comprehensive metric tracking, or a more detailed data analysis experience, the Basis B1 Band ($169) is a worthwhile consideration. Currently, it represents a premium option in the wearable personal metric tracking market.

The Basis B1 Band monitors a wide range of physiological data, including heart rate, skin temperature, perspiration levels, sleep patterns, activity levels, and location via GPS tracking.

Stylish Tracking: Jawbone UP24

If bulkiness or a conspicuous appearance are concerns, but personal metric tracking remains a priority, the UP24 ($150) from Jawbone offers a compelling solution. It is designed to resemble a fashionable bracelet rather than a typical piece of wearable technology.

Despite its sleek design, the UP24 still delivers robust personal metric tracking, focusing on the depth and quality of sleep, as well as overall daily activity levels.

Here's a quick overview of the options:

• Fitbit Force: $129 - Comprehensive activity and sleep tracking with a wristband design.
• FitBit One: $99 - Similar tracking to the Force, but with a clip-on form factor.
• Basis B1 Band: $169 - Advanced metric tracking including heart rate, temperature, and GPS.
• Jawbone UP24: $150 - Stylish bracelet design with sleep and activity monitoring.

Bluetooth Speakers

The market for Bluetooth speakers has experienced significant expansion in recent times. What was once a niche sector dominated by a limited number of established brands and lower-quality imitations has now blossomed into a diverse landscape.

This growth is directly linked to the increasing popularity of mobile devices and the widespread desire for portable, wireless audio solutions, both for outdoor use and within the home environment.

Sound Quality and Price

As with traditional audio equipment, such as home stereo systems, the level of sound quality generally correlates with the price point. Achieving robust bass response, particularly in compact, battery-powered speakers, often requires a greater investment.

Top Contenders

Currently, the Bose Soundlink II ($269) is widely regarded as a leading Bluetooth speaker. This position is unsurprising, considering Bose’s established reputation for producing high-fidelity speakers and MP3 docks.

While the Soundlink II’s audio performance is rarely criticized, its battery life may be insufficient for extended use, such as a full day at the beach. Its larger size contributes to its powerful sound, but limits its operational time to approximately 3-4 hours of continuous playback.

Extended Playback Options

For users prioritizing extended battery life alongside good sound quality, the Jawbone BIG Jambox ($249) presents a compelling alternative.

Beyond wireless music playback, the BIG Jambox also incorporates speakerphone functionality and offers up to 15 hours of playback on a single charge.

If the Jambox’s aesthetic appeals to you but the price is a concern, the standard Jawbone Jambox ($99) provides a more affordable option.

It retains the distinctive design but features a smaller battery, delivering up to 10 hours of playback, and reduced bass output.

Adding Bluetooth to Existing Systems

Individuals who already possess a high-quality sound system and wish to add Bluetooth connectivity can consider the Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver ($23).

This cost-effective solution allows existing stereo systems to receive audio wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled devices.

For those seeking high-definition audio transmission, an upgraded version of the Belkin receiver is available for $60, supporting optical or coaxial connections.

Ebook Readers

The digital book market continues to expand annually, and the current year demonstrates this trend. An increasing number of individuals are discovering the benefits of ebook readers and the portability of having an entire book collection readily available.

Kindle Paperwhite

Predictably, given our positive assessment earlier in the year, we suggest the latest Kindle Paperwhite ($139) as a primary recommendation. For those seeking a lightweight yet comprehensively equipped ebook reader, the Kindle Paperwhite stands out.

Its extensive feature set, coupled with access to the vast Kindle library supported by Amazon, makes it a compelling choice for avid readers.

Nook Simple Touch GlowLight

However, if the intended recipient already owns an older Nook device and has significantly invested in ebooks through the Barnes & Noble ecosystem, the redesigned Nook Simple Touch GlowLight ($99) presents a viable option.

While a capable device, its appeal is somewhat diminished by the strong performance of the upgraded Kindle Paperwhite.

Kobo Aura HD

For those who prefer supporting independent bookstores and avoiding purchases from larger corporations, the Kobo Aura HD ($169) is an excellent consideration.

Beyond its support for a substantial independent bookstore network, separate from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, it boasts advanced technology.

Specifically, the Kobo Aura HD features a significantly higher resolution screen compared to offerings from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, enhancing the reading experience.

Here's a quick comparison:

• Kindle Paperwhite: Lightweight, feature-rich, extensive Amazon library.
• Nook Simple Touch GlowLight: Ideal for existing Nook users invested in the Barnes & Noble ecosystem.
• Kobo Aura HD: Supports independent bookstores, high-resolution screen.

Tablets

Tablets are progressively gaining prominence as essential tools in contemporary computing and internet access. The variety of excellent choices available to consumers makes tablet shopping particularly advantageous during the holiday season.

Leading Tablet Options

The iPad remains the dominant force in the tablet market. The recently launched iPad Air (priced from $529) boasts a more streamlined design, enhanced display brightness, and improved processing speed compared to earlier models. Despite any criticisms directed towards Apple, the iPad series maintains its leading position due to its consistent reliability, as emphasized by the company itself.

For those seeking a more affordable option, the updated iPad Mini (starting at $314) provides a comparable iPad experience in a compact form factor.

Android Alternatives

While Apple holds a significant share of the tablet market, Android presents compelling alternatives. The updated Google Nexus 7 ($200) builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, addressing previous issues.

This 2013 edition is widely considered the premier Android tablet, offering exceptional value when contrasted with the higher cost of Apple’s devices.

Amazon's Kindle Fire HDX

For individuals deeply integrated into the Amazon ecosystem – with numerous Kindle purchases or an Amazon Prime subscription for streaming – the Kindle Fire HDX (starting at $229) is a strong contender.

Performance issues that plagued earlier Fire tablets have been resolved, and the device includes exclusive reading and media benefits not found elsewhere.

The Mayday Button

Amazon has also introduced a unique feature, the Mayday Button, specifically for less tech-savvy users.

This allows users to instantly connect with Amazon customer service via voice or video chat for immediate assistance, making the Fire HDX an ideal gift for those who may require technical support.

Media Boxes

A significant number of technologies have matured considerably in 2013, with media streaming being a prime example. A confluence of factors – increased broadband penetration, advanced hardware capabilities, and growing consumer demand – has led to a proliferation of devices designed to deliver streaming video to televisions.

Roku 3

Currently, one of the most adaptable choices available is the range of set-top boxes produced by Roku. The Roku 3, priced at $95, provides access to a vast library of video content, encompassing services like Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, various movie platforms, and sports channels.

It supports 1080p streaming, includes a convenient headphone jack on the remote, and integrates with iOS and Android smartphone applications for browsing and content selection during playback. Furthermore, the remote features motion-control functionality, enabling gesture-based gaming experiences similar to those found on the Wii, such as Angry Birds.

Apple TV

For individuals heavily invested in the iTunes ecosystem and possessing an extensive video collection, the Apple TV ($99) represents a compelling option. This device allows access to the iTunes video store, alongside Netflix, YouTube, locally stored videos, and any content compatible with iPhones or other iOS devices.

Google Chromecast

If a cost-effective yet potent solution is desired, the Google Chromecast is a remarkable device, available for just $30. Its compact size, comparable to a thumb drive, allows for direct connection to a TV’s HDMI port.

Control is facilitated through a computer, smartphone, or tablet, enabling access to services like Netflix, Hulu, Google Play TV and Movies, HBO Go, Pandora Music, and YouTube. During our evaluation, we deployed three units, and they proved exceptionally popular with users of all ages, who appreciated their ease of use and diverse content offerings.

Streaming Service Subscriptions

Should your intended recipient already possess the necessary streaming hardware, consider gifting a subscription to a streaming service. Options include a year of Netflix ($95), Hulu ($95), or Amazon Prime ($79), granting access to their respective content libraries.

We are dedicated to covering the technology landscape, and welcome contributions from our readers. If you have a gadget recommendation to share within one of our discussed categories, please contribute your experiences by participating in the discussion forum below. Keep an eye out for further Holiday Gift Guides, offering suggestions for tech enthusiasts of all ages on your shopping list.